Question Number: 32272

Law 14 - The Penalty kick 3/3/2018

Ross Jeffery of Doncaster, Yorkshire England asks...

Tottenham Hotspur had a penalty kick disallowed and the player booked (Heung Min Son) against Rochdale in the FA Cup this week.

Was this the correct decision?

Ive read all of the rules and disagree as far as I can see he hadnt completed his run up when he stopped and he didnt feint the shot when he did reach the ball.

All previous refs have said it was the right decision but I cant see anywhere that says you cant stop during your run up as long as you dont feint the shot when you have completed it!?

Help!!!

I was hoping the fa would clear it up by now but its been swept under the carpet.......

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ross The question has been asked on the site. see 32266 Now the current Law states that it is an offence when the player completes his run up to stop. Some are of the view that Sons action did not meet the current wording while other believe that his complete stop placed the goalkeeper in an unfair position in that he was leaning to go to his right which then Son making up his mind to go to the GKs left. As I said in my previous answer it was the view that stopping was seen as unsporting behaviour anywhere on the run up. It is not written there now yet the referee has to opine whether the kickers action was unsporting to the goalkeeper.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Ross as I stated a lot of ruffled feathers as to respecting the opinion of the CR for doing as he did! As to the clarity of the decision, given it is an OPINION as to what USB action was taken, given that is a personal choice not a mandated one it is easy to see why consistency is an issue if we allow a personal opinion to dictate a response to any action. Many an incident on the field I could envision far greater punishment and less leeway but each referee is in effect a part of the playing conditions just like a wet or muddy field or a bright sunny day or a cold wind swept rainy miserable one, you adapt to the conditions. I have seen PKs that SHOULD in MY opinion be retaken. I have seen PK goal permitted that in MY OPINION I would not. I have seen Dissent go unchallenged Card colours shown that in MY OPINION I do not agree with Fouls awarded that I feel are marginal at best, if not incorrect These are my opinions, they are NOT FACTS even IF they were true because opinions are the perception of truth through the eyes of an individual based solely on what they think they saw and know! I have seen enough slow motion replays to make me aware that what my 1st opinion was needed to alter on the 2nd ! Cheers

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Ask The Ref ( Ask The Soccer Referee ) is a volunteer organization paid for by sponsorships. Licensed Soccer Referees make up our international panel. We respond to numerous soccer questions related to the rules and regulations of soccer which is governed by FIFA. 3/19/2018